Parubiy: Russia’s aggression in Crimea is tough, same as 100 years ago

The speaker expressed the conviction that "Crimea will return home to the Ukrainian family, as Crimea is Ukraine"

KYIV (QHA) -

Russia’s aggression in Crimea is tough, same as 100 years ago, Andriy Parubiy, the Speaker of Verkhovna Rada stated at the solemn meeting in honor of the 100th anniversary of the First Qurultay of the Crimean Tatar people on December 6th.

“The past and contemporary Russian occupation of Crimea has no difference. The Bolsheviks dispersed Qurultay then, and now Russia banns the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people… Then and now the Russian aggressor in the Crimea bans the activities of the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar national associations,” Parubiy stated.

Parubiy reminded that Verkhovna Rada carried out decommunization in Crimea in May of 2016. Seventy-five settlements in the Crimea received their historical names, and the Speaker highly appreciated this decision of Ukrainian parliamentarians.

“I am proud of this historic, governmental decision of the Ukrainian parliament. Decommunization of the Crimea is a step towards its de-occupation,” Parubiy informed.

The speaker of the Ukrainian parliament also addressed the Crimeans with the words of support and noted that Crimea would be definitely returned to Ukraine.

“Dear Crimeans, we do not forget about you. And I'm sure that the Crimea will return home to the Ukrainian family, as Crimea is Ukraine,” Parubiy said.

He also pointed out that the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar people were united by the eternal desire for liberty as well as eternal struggle for the right to live on their land.

Reference: December 6, Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine held a solemn meeting in honor of the 100th anniversary from the date of the First Qurultay of the Crimean Tatar people.